Shows can be so much fun !

Although I have been breeding and raising cockatiels for many years, I had never shown my birds before. In August of 2008 a customer said to me "Ruth, I thinkyour birds have 'what it takes' to make it in show!, you really should consider looking into it."...and so it began. I never dreamed Icould go to a whole new level of love for my birds!I looked into the show schedule and the nearest show to me was still almost two states away, and coming up in less that 2 months. Would I have enough time to get my birds into condition? Did they really have what it took? Were they good enough to compete with others who had been doing this for years? I wondered, but took the chance and said what the heck. It was a four hour drive to Nashua New Hampshire, to attend my first show. It was a double, meaning that there would actually be two shows on the same day, under two different judges. I was so excited I could hardley stand it. I thought to myself that even if I didn't bring home one single ribbon, I would at least learn the ropes and be ready for the next one. The first thing I did when I got there was fill out a ton of paperwork. I have since learned to do much of it ahead of time to make for less stress. When the judging was finnished, I was in tears...tears of joy. I had four ribbons! I had taken the fifth, sixth, seventh and tenth place best in show out of 74 birds! I really did have what it took to show! The above picture is of my daughter Kerin with Aries, the bird I entered in the show for her. As you can see he did well, and she is beaming with pride!

What it takes to breed a "winner"

In a word...comintment, to the standard, to your birds, and to yourself. Anyone can show someone elses bird, but there is a special feeling when one of your own goes up on the bench, and wins. This is my white face grey, Calisto. I knew the moment I laid eyes on her in my flight, she was born to be a winner! Calisto was only a few months old when she competed for the first time. Her first show she took seventh best novice and her second show she took fifth. Even though she was still a young hen. As soon as she was old enough to breed, I retired her from showing, and set her up. When an advanced breeder asks a novice breeder for babys' from a particular bird, you know its good. Especially when more than one asks you and then return for more. Choose the best birds you can afford to buy. More expensive isn't always better, but use the visual standard as a guide. I have learned to "paint the bird black" and using the silouete match them with another bird of similar confirmation. These are the birds you should pair up. If in doubt, ask a breeder. Everyone has their own ways of doing things, but most that breed for show, are somewhat on the same page when it comes to what to look for in the birds. Many of the babys born here already look "good" when I decide to hold them back, but I am amazed what a year can do for them, as far as looks. If someone comes to me wanting to purchase a show bird I will at least give them a bird that I myself would show, or encourage my daughter to show. It's a win win situation to sell a show bird because the buyer gets ribbons and is happy with their bird, and the breeder takes pride in seeing their bird "make it" on the bench. The best part is that BOTH get recognition.

The N.C.S. Standard of Perfection

When breeding it is my goal to come as closely to this visual standard as I can. I produce not only beautiful cockatiels but also well tempered ones. The written standard is somewhat complex, but I will try to touch on it a bit, and then if you would like to learn more you can visit the N.C.S. site at www.cockatiels.org The goal is a long graceful bird that will be the envy of all who see it. The cockatiel should measure 14 inches from head to tail and the crest should be 3 inches more. * The crest should be full and erect. * The eyes should be large and bright. * The cheek patches [if not a white face] should be even, round and bright. * The neck should be graceful but not too long or short. * The chest should be broad and full. * The back should be straight and fall at a 70 degree angle. * The feet should be firmly on the perch and all toes and nails should be present and trimmed.

My proud moment

A proud moment for sure, three best in show birds at my first show!

October 25th, 2008 I took home 3 best in show ribbons with my birds! This was my first show ever, I just couldn't believe it. This picture is me with the judge and the three beautiful birds who did so well for me. When I got home with the birds, I spoiled them rotten more than usual and told them all how proud I was of them. Of course I had to make up with the birds who didn't go to show as well. When I entered the bird room it was like a scene from an Alford Hitchcok movie. They were so happy to have me home. I look forward to going to the next show, but there is so much to do.

Two of my winners

Normal Grey show cock

Pearl Pied show hen

Just a few of the babys I have bred for show

Cinnamon Pearl Pied Lutino hen

White Faced babys in many varieties

I take pride in producing quality over quantity

Kerin with her Pearl Pied cockatiel, playing

Sweet and lovable is a requirement of my baby's. I will not sell a bird as a pet if it does not meet my expectations here

White Face Cinnamon and White Face Grey

at 10 weeks, ready for a new home

White Face Cinnamon Pied cock

White Face very heavy Pied

When you start with great birds you get great babys!

This year we did really well this year in New Hampshire as well. We took seventh, ninth, tenth and an honorable mention as well. We also finally got best novice at the show, for the first time ever! A blue ribbon and a trophy!

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